Shimano has quietly updated the bleed port screw on its latest 105 Di2 shifter, finally solving a common flaw that has plagued its drop-bar shifters to date.
Before now, the bleed port screw on Shimano drop-bar shifters was made of a metal that was about as strong as soft cheese.
This was frighteningly easy to round off, and could turn a routine brake bleed into a mind-numbing odyssey.
Any mechanic who says they haven’t rounded one off before is lying through their teeth.
I never thought I’d see the day. Kaden Gardener / Our Media
The new bolt, which is currently seen only on 105 Di2 shifters, is made from an undetermined material that feels much stronger than the old bolt. I suspect it’s stainless steel, but I’ve asked Shimano for confirmation.
While I’ve only had the opportunity to remove and reinstall the screw on one bike, the new material feels far more durable, despite the fact I was using an average-quality Allen key .The bleed port screw in all its glory. Kaden Gardener / Our Media Both Dura-Ace R9200 and Ultegra R8100 groupsets also use a new screw (Y0MX98020), but it’s made from the same cheesy metal used on Shimano’s 11-speed drop-bar shifters.If you’d like to upgrade your 12-speed Dura-Ace or Ultegra shifters with this new bleed port screw, which Shimano says you can do, the part number is Y0RM98020.Though it is not commonly stocked by major retailers, you should be able to special-order it from any good bike shop. Can I upgrade […]
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